Spin by Genevieve Raas

Author:Genevieve Raas [Raas, Genevieve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ravenwell Press
Published: 2017-07-24T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Wedding Bells: Laila

Without so much as a goodbye, he disappeared back into the nothingness from which he came. I assured myself I could not have been happier to be rid of him. He was arrogant. Insufferable. But, the lingering sensation of his lips on mine remained, and it irritated me as much as it burned me.

“My lady, if you would hold your breath for a moment more, we will finish lacing you in,” Rosamund, my new lady-in-waiting, instructed.

I did as she said and tried to look pleasant as I saw my reflection in the mirror. Today was my wedding day, and I would be made queen. That strange man, whoever he was, might have saved my neck from the noose, but I would direct and shape my own life now. I was absolutely determined not to waste another thought on him.

“Look at her! What a perfect portrait of happiness.”

If only the maids and ladies knew what caused the happiness filling my veins. Layers of colorful silks and velvets kissed my skin. Rouge brightened my cheeks and lips. Exotic perfume rose from between my breasts.

“You look beautiful, my lady!” Rosamund exclaimed, placing a crown of orange blossoms atop my hair. Soon enough, it would be replaced with gold and rubies.

I took one last look at my reflection. I ran my fingers down the smooth fabric, and the thrill of it chilled my bones. The king was at my mercy now, the mercy of the miller’s daughter.

Like a shadow in the midday sun, unease stirred at the back of my mind. There was a quick, blaring pang of panic—what was I doing in marrying this evil man?—followed by another fluttering of doubt. I had signed away my firstborn literally to a stranger. Was that right? Was that fair? Could I trust him?

The bells began to ring, and I shoved my fears back, hefting them as if they were so many sacks of flour. The choices were made. There was no time to question and even less time to answer. I clung to the belief that I was a good person. As if to expiate my future sins, I vowed in that moment to become a good and noble queen who served and protected her people.

“My lady?” Rosamund asked tentatively.

I nodded and allowed her and the other ladies to lift up my train and escort me to the chapel in the palace. All along the halls, courtiers and even servants lined up to make their obeisance to me. I bestowed small smiles and quick nods as I passed them, feeling myself more and more a queen with each step.

The royal chapel was full to capacity with guests jostling for position without regard for their colorful velvets, silks, and furs. The air was thick with incense and the smell of a thousand beeswax candles burning brightly. Dizzy and nervous, I matched my steps to the cadence of the liturgical music that filled the space, bouncing off the walls and vaulted ceilings.

After what felt like an age, I reached the altar.

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